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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 19, 2018 7:53 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESSaint Lucia - Exercise a high degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution in Saint Lucia due to limited medical resources, generally poor road conditions, unreliable public transportation, and moderate crime rates.Travel Health Notice - Zika virusThe Public Health Agency of Canada has issued advice for travellers on the Zika virus, recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Saint Lucia. See Health for more information.3. SECURITYCrimePetty crime occurs and increases with the approach of annual festivities, such as the jazz festival in May, carnival celebrations in July and during the winter holiday season. Muggings have occurred in areas frequented by tourists. Avoid showing signs of affluence, carry minimal sums of money and leave your passport and other valuables in your hotel safe.Avoid unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches, especially after dark, and avoid staying in hotels or villas in isolated areas, which may have inadequate security. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.Avoid the districts of Marchand, Broglie, St. Grass, St. Leslie Land, and Wilton Yard, located off of Chausee Road which have high rates of crime.Road safetyRoads are narrow and steep, with few guardrails. Do not pick up hitchhikers. Roadside assistance is not widely available.Public transportationRegular minibus services are fast and inexpensive. Taxis are available at airports and resort areas. Confirm fares before departing.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlines4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Saint Lucia. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.PassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave Saint Lucia.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required (for stays up to 42 days)Business visa: Not required Student visa: RequiredYou must also be in possession of a return or onward airline ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your trip.Departure taxAll passengers over the age of 12 must pay an airport departure tax. The tax is payable in cash only.Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical care is limited. There are two public hospitals and one private hospital. Serious cases may have to be referred to Miami, Florida, or Martinique.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Illegal drugsPossession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, could lead to a large fine or imprisonment. Drug trafficking is a serious offence. Pack all of your baggages yourself and do not carry items that do not belong to you.LawsIt is an offence for anyone outside the police force to dress in army or camouflage clothes or carry items made of camouflage material.The laws of Saint Lucia prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Saint Lucia. Consult Homosexual, bisexual and transgender travel for more information.If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in Saint Lucia before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.DrivingTraffic drives on the left.An International Driving Permit is required.There are strict laws concerning the use of seat belts and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.MoneyThe currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at all resorts, major restaurants and most shops located in city areas.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricane seasonHurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:know that you expose yourself to serious safety risksbe prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your tripstay informed of the latest regional weather forecastscarry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operatorfollow the advice and instructions of local authoritiesUseful linksHurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoonsLarge-scale emergencies abroadActive storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States' National Hurricane CenterSeismic activitySaint Lucia is located in an active seismic zone.

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